CDL-Job Notice: Head of Special Collections Position - UMKC (Revised Posting)

From: "Le Beau, Chris" <lebeauc_at_umkc.edu>
Revised Posting - Application Review Extended to June 29, 2007, and 
continues until position is filled

Head of Special Collections:  Dynamic urban academic library seeks 
innovative and knowledgeable leader with strong public service orientation 
and experience with rare book, manuscript, and sound recording collections 
for the position of Head of Special Collections at the University of 
Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) University Libraries. Position reports to the 
Assistant Director for Public Services and Special Collections and manages 
daily operations of the Kenneth J. LaBudde Department of Special 
Collections, which includes the Marr Sound Archives. In conjunction with 
the Assistant Director, is responsible for donor relations and strategic 
planning for the department within the context of the University Libraries’ 
strategic plan. Set priorities for the collections and its preservation, 
management and development of staff, and management of digital initiatives. 
Works closely with faculty, students, scholars and researchers to develop 
new teaching, learning and research opportunities using the Special 
Collections as an integral part of the overall library resources and 
services. Serves as a subject liaison for assigned academic department(s). 
Successful candidate will have an opportunity to participate in planning 
for a new expansion of the library and integrated learning center.

The Special Collections at UMKC houses the Snyder Collection of Americana, 
the Suzanne Statland Collection on Holocaust Studies, the Richard W. 
Bolling Papers, the Truman Library's Student Research File, and a number of 
other smaller collections. The department also offers marvelous research 
opportunities in music history, especially American music history and the 
history of American jazz. The Marr Sound Archives, a unit of the Special 
Collections Department, holds over 290,000 sound recordings in formats that 
include LPs, 78s, 45s, cylinders, transcription discs, instantaneous cut 
discs and open-reel tapes. The focus of the collection is the American 
experience as reflected in recorded sound. More information about the 
Special Collections can be found at 
<http://www.umkc.edu/lib/spec-col/index.html>http://www.umkc.edu/lib/spec-col/index.html. 


UMKC is a comprehensive research university exemplifying the values of 
education first, innovation, accountability, diversity, and collaboration. 
See: 
(<http://www.umkc.edu/aboutumkc/values.asp>http://www.umkc.edu/aboutumkc/values.asp) 
In a large area of green space and in Kansas City’s research/cultural 
corridor, the campus is located in the heart of one of America’s most 
affordable and attractive cities.

Required Qualifications: Must have an ALA-accredited MLS, an additional 
graduate degree, and a minimum 5 years progressively responsible rare book 
and manuscript experience and knowledge of digital formats and standards. 
Must have evidence of successful supervisory experience and the ability to 
manage a department of eight staff. Must have excellent analytic, problem 
solving skills; exceptional interpersonal skills; good oral and writing 
communication skills; a strong commitment to public service. Must show 
evidence of professional initiative, mature judgment; understanding of 
scholarly research environment. Must be able to thrive in a team setting, 
handle multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment, and operate 
effectively in a diverse academic community. Potential for professional 
growth, service activities in keeping with university and library 
requirements for retention, promotion in non-tenure track appointment is 
also required.

Preferred:Advanced degree in history and/or one of the humanities. 
Grant-writing experience and donor relations. Experience in the development 
of digital libraries.

Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience and 
excellent retirement/benefits package.  Send letter of application, resume, 
names of three references to: Bonnie Postlethwaite, Chair of Special 
Collections Librarian Search Committee, University Libraries Administrative 
Office, University of Missouri – Kansas City, 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas 
City, MO 64110, 816-235-1531 or submit via e-mail to 
<mailto:morrish_at_umkc.edu>morrish_at_umkc.edu. Application review extended to 
June 29, 2007, and continues until position is filled. See 
<http://www.umkc.edu/lib/People/jobopenings.htm>http://www.umkc.edu/lib/People/jobopenings.htm 
for additional openings.

UMKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.